In pictures: 14 objects that bring China and South Asia's rich cultural history to life

Amaravati in southern India was the site of a Buddhist monument for at least eight hundred years, from about 200 BC.

Its greatest period was in the late centuries BC/early centuries AD when it not only functioned throughout the region, but was also a base for the spread of Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia.

And, not only did religion travel overseas but also trade, the ideas of coinage and of script, and Indian law and customs.

On one side of this panel we see the main monument at Amaravati, a great domed stupa or pagoda, while on the reverse is a depiction of the veneration of the Buddha, though his presence is only indicated by symbols. The latter sculpture is one of the very earliest examples of stone sculpture from anywhere in India.